In the Alder sawmilling business, the term “Alder Color” denotes lumber that meets grade standards but features visual imperfections like log stain or sticker shadow, differing from Alder’s typical bright, uniform tone. At Cascade Hardwood, this designation offers manufacturers a valuable, budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality.

Alder Color lumber performs well with stains and finishes. It’s ideal for darker finishes on doors, trim, and furniture, where imperfections blend seamlessly. It’s also perfect for modern white and grey painted cabinetry, masking discolorations effectively. This makes it a smart choice for cost-conscious producers with suitable applications.

Like standard Alder, Alder color maintains consistent moisture content, crucial for stability and preventing warping in products like cabinetry and mouldings. It is an excellent choice for paint grade applications and in many instances can be freely substituted for Poplar or Soft Maple

The seasonal production of Alder color ties to the region’s climate. Summer heat prompts mills to stockpile logs for winter, when rain hinders logging and causes environmental issues. Sprinklers keep logs wet, but top layers may stain from heat, resulting in grey or blue discoloration when sawn.

Sticker shadow arises during kiln-drying, reducing moisture from over 40% to 8%. Stickers between layers facilitate airflow, but in late summer, they leave lighter marks. In grades like Superior Alder, shadow is restricted to non-clear areas. Unlike Eastern hardwoods (Ash, Hickory, Hard Maple), Alder’s shadow often fades with finishing or surfacing.

Available from now through year-end, Alder color is cheaper than bright stock. Some firms buy annually in Q4 for savings. Cascade’s sales team provides samples to match projects, helping customers compete while promoting sustainability.